The Labor enquirer., 1887-02-19
THE KNIGHTS or LABOR.
PREAMBLE and Designation Of Principles
Of This Great and Growing
Order Of Workingmen.

Therefore we have formed the Order of
Knights Of Labor, for the purpose Of organiz-
ing and directing the power Of the industrial
masses. not as political party, for 1t is more
lin 1t are crystalized sentiments and meas
ures for the benefit Of the whole people, but
1t should be borne in mind, when exercising
the right OF suffrage, that most Of the objects
herein set forth can only be obtained through
legislation and that 1t is the duty Of all to as
sist in nominating and supporting with their
votes only such candidates as will pledge
their support to those measures, regardless OF
party. But no one shall, however, be COM
PEELED to vote with the majority, and calling
upon all who believe in securing "the greatest
good to the greatest number" to join and as
sist US. we declare to the world that our aims
are:
l. To make industrial and moral worth, not
wealth, the true standard Of individual and
National greatness.
II. To secure to the workers the full enjoy
ment OF the wealth they create, suficient
leisure in which to develop their intellectual,
moral and social faculties; all Of the benefits,
recreation and pleasures Of association; in
word, to enable them to share in the gains
and honors Of advancing civilization.
In order to secure these results, we demand
Of the STATE:
III. The establishment of Bureaus of Labor
Statistics, that wo may arTivo al OUrIvct
knowledge Of the educational, moral and f.
nancial condition ofthe laboring masses.
Nv. That the public lands, the heritage Of
the people, be reserved for actual settlers; not
another acre for railroads or spectators, and
that all lands now held for speculative pur-
poses be taxed 10 their full value.
v. The abrogation OF all laws that do not
bear equally upon capital and labor, and the
removal of unjust technicalities. delays and
determinations In the administration of
justice.
vi. The adoption of measures providing
for the health and safety of those engaged In
mining. manufacturing and building indus
tries, and for standardization TO those engaged
therein for injuries received through lack Of
necessary safeguards.
VII The recognition by incorporation, OF
trades, unions, orders, and such other associa-
tions as may be organized by the working
masses to improve their condition and pro-
tect their rights.
VIII. The enactment Of laws to compel
corporations to pay their employees weekly.
in lawful money. for the labor Of the preced-
ing week, and giving mechanics and laborers
a first lien upon the product Of their labor to
the extent of their full wages.
TX. The abolition of the contract system on
National, State and Municipal works.
x. The enactment Of laws providing for ar
bitration between employers and employed,
and to enforce the decision Of the arbitrators.
XII. The prohibition by law Of the employ
ment Of children under Is years Of age in
workshops, mines and factories.
XII. To prohibit the hiring out Of convict
labor.
XIII. That a graduated income tax be
levied. Y
And we demand at the hands Of CONGRESS
XIV. The establishment OF a National mou-
etary system, in which circulating medium
| In necessary quantity shall issue direct to the
people. without the Intervention of banks
that all the National issue shall be full legal
tender in payment Of all debts, public and
private: and that the Government shall moi
guarantee or recognize any private banks, ol
create any banking corporations.
XIV. That interest bearing bonds, bills ol
credit or notes shall never be issued by the
Government, but that. when need arises, the
emergency shall be met by issue of legal ter
der, MISUNDERSTANDING money.
| XVI. That the Importation Of foreign labol
under contract be prohibited.
| XVII. That, In connection with the post
office, the Government shall organize finan
cial exchanges, safe deposits and facilities fo
deposit Of the savings Of the people in small
sums.
| XVIII. That the Government shall obtair
possession, by purchase, under the rights o
eminent domain, of all telegraphs, Telephones
and railroads, and that hereafter no charter
or license be issued TO any corporation fol
construction or operation Of any means O.
transporting intelligence, passengers Of
freight.
And while making the foregoing demandI
upon the State and National Government, w
will endeavor TO associate our own labors:
| XIX. To establish cooperative institutions
such as will tend TO supercede the wage sys
tenn, blythe introduction OF a cooperative In
dustrial system.
Xxx. To secure for both sexes equal pay fol
equal work.
XXI. To shorten the hours Of labor by 9
general refusal TO work for more than eigh
hours.
XxIL To pursuade employers TO agree te
arbitrste all differences which may arise be
tween them and their employees, in ordel
that the bonds Of sympathy between then
may be strengthened and that strikes may b.
rendered unnecessary u
1 YTAYYcan live at home. and make NOR,